Head bolts

[fargofour]

Hi,

This is for my 1500 but I think it's generic enough for here.

Any rule of thumb about replacing head bolts? I've had to take the heads off three times over the last 4 years and I was wondering if I should replace the head bolts this time. They don't look damaged.

The reason for removal:
1st time - Got the bike damaged and timing belt had slipped, bent valves.
2nd & 3rd time - chasing coolant in oil.

Thanks,

Bud.

[WingAdmin]

They are not the type of head bolts that purposefully stretch to apply appropriate pressure, and need to be replaced. So they can be reused.

That said, ALL bolts stretch when they are torqued, so at some point after they have been torqued a number of times, they will not be applying the correct amount of pressure anymore.

As long as the threads are still in good shape and are clean, you're probably safe at this point...but at four or five times, I'd be thinking that it might be time to start thinking about replacements the next time (if there is a next time).

[flash2002]

If you had to removed for leaks, it might be time to have the heads planed. The heads might be warped enough to not sit tight on the gasket causing it to leak.

[fargofour]

I had the heads skimmed and pressure checked when I pulled them the second time.